Line Lingo

Here is some queuing terminology, as supplied by Richard C. Larson of MIT:

Serpentine queues: Single-file lines.

Multiple queues: Several single-file lines for related goods and services from many servers.

Accordion queues: Lines that are served by increasing numbers of servers as they get longer and decreasing numbers of servers as they get shorter.

FIFO: First in, first out.

SIRO: Service in random order.

Queue delay guarantees: The promise of free goods or services if there is a long wait in line.

Queue delay feedback: Information about the length of wait in line, given verbally or by printed or electronic signs.

Balking: Deciding not to join a line, often because it is too long.

Reneging: Leaving a line before getting goods or services.